Maxxum 7 STF Mode Experiments

I've been interested in doing some comparisons to see what the STF mode did on the Maxxum 7. I got around to it last weekend and thought I'd share the results.

As a disclaimer, I know they aren't great photos but it's what I had to put on the table. I used Fuji Superia 400 film with drug store processing. They were scanned with a Minolta 5400 and Vue Scan. All pictures were taken directly from the Vue Scan jpg output file, light dust removal, light grain dissolving, no sharpening. Natural light, with a window to the left in the photos. Focus was on the flower on the tea pot.

I used a 35 f/2, 50 f/1.7, 85 f/1.4G (all Minolta) and Sigma 70-200 APO EX DG. All photos were taken at or near minimum focus length of the lens. I tried to use a Minolta 28-135 as a baseline but the long minimum focus length made it really irrelevant to the other lenses.

In summary, the STF mode seemed to make the depth of field wider than maximum aperture, while retaining the smooth bokeh. Samples from the 85mm lens are below:

85mm, f/1.4


85mm, f/4


and 85mm, STF


The rest of the test set is at: http://nmguy.zenfolio.com/p184581132/

Thanks for the samples. Thing is Dino i've tried using STF for portraits. It's not adequate for those like the lens is. Unless youre going for an experimental multi-exposure look. :o)

A face moves, the teapot does not..

Getting interesting. The only shutter speed information I have ever seen mentioned said it was reported as being 1/500 so where does that leave us ? If we use an average spread over 7 frames as being 1/71 then on a tripod that might just be fast enough to stop motion blur. That is assuming one wants acid sharp portraits - most subjects usually don't.

After all flash operates @ 1/160 and you can do that handheld.

Experimentation needed - might get round to it when the January panic is over

Everything varies with the light - that is the only constant

Window-lit conditions are not necessarily the best in which to test something out. If I get the chance sometime I will have a stab at it if the conditions are favourable.

"As far as the STF effect is concerned,they did seem to advertise it correctly and honestly" - probably true but as usual not advertised enough

Thread of 18 January 2008 Shaocaholic - Bokeh comparison - 100/2.8(D) vs 135 STF w/STF mod

Comparison to the macro in STF mode.

Not seen a direct comparison with 135mm.